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Los Angeles Lakers: Team awards for first quarter of season

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs out before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs out before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Team awards for first quarter of season
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 3: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles in the hallway before the game against the Houston Rockets on December 3, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lakers First Quarter Awards: Most Improved Player; Julius Randle

Julius Randle looked like he would be a lost cause at the beginning of the season. Luke Walton decided to move Randle to the bench this season despite being a starter previously in his career. It didn’t sit well with Randle and it showed.

Randle essentially sleep-walked through the first two games of the season. He looked disinterested and was giving minimal effort. All of the work that Randle put in during the offseason to improve his jump shot and become better conditioned looked like it was going to waste.

Then, something clicked. Randle got talked to and things quickly turned around. After those first two games, Randle has been excellent for the Lakers off the bench. He brings energy on a nightly basis and is improved on both ends of the court.

Randle is an excellent rebounder and a capable ball handler. He brings toughness every time he is on the court as he has been playing backup center, going up against bigger, stronger opponents.

Randle’s offense has also improved. He is shooting the highest percentage of his career thus far, making 55.7 percent. His defense is where the biggest improvement has come, as Randle has developed into a solid rim protector with the second unit.

Randle is an important part of the Lakers success given his performance with the second unit.

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